Monthly Archives: July 2012

Should I settle with an insurance company right after an auto accident claim?

Thank you for watching Minute with Mike, free legal advice answered by attorney Michael C. Blickensderfer every Wednesday at Noon.

Today’s topic: Should I settle with an insurance company right after an auto accident claim?

Insurance companies often try to get personal injury victims to settle a personal injury claim quickly and for a low amount.

If you have recently been in an auto accident and have filed a claim, many times the insurance company will call the injured party right away to offer a settlement amount. In hopes to end the claim right away an insurance company will offer a settlement that may seem too good to be true. As a personal injury lawyer, attorneys confirm that that is not the victim’s best course of action!

Insurance companies will try to get an accident victim to settle quick and cheap! Take the time and seek proper medical and legal representation so you are not cheated from an unfair insurance company’s settlement offer. In an auto accident your time, financial situation, health and ability to move forward are all taken into consideration with Blick Law Firm. Call us today to receive your free case evaluation from an experienced car crash attorney.

Blick Law Firm has over 25 year’s legal experience in Florida, New York and New Jersey.  Seek direction from a Tampa Christian law firm today!

Blick law Firm is a local Tampa Bay legal firm specializing in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy, personal injury, criminal and real estate law all across the state of Florida.

The owner, Michael C. Blickensderfer has 25 years legal experience in Florida, New York and New Jersey. Blick Law Firms practice areas include criminal law, DUI/ Traffic, real estate transactions, loan modifications, short sales, foreclosure defense, bankruptcy, title insurance and real estate litigation.

We also serve clients in personal injury, including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and falls premises liability, dog bites, marine and aviation accidents and wrongful death.

For further information regarding our legal services please visit our website at www.blicklawfirm.com. Former prosecutor, former Marine. Think quick, call Blick!

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Insurance companies quick to settle auto accident claim

Insurance companies often try to get personal injury victims to settle a personal injury claim quickly and for a low amount.

If you have recently been in an auto accident and have filed a claim, many times the insurance company will call the injured party right away to offer a settlement amount. In hopes to end the claim right away an insurance company will offer a settlement that may seem too good to be true. As a personal injury lawyer, attorneys confirm that that is not the victim’s best course of action!

Here are 4 steps to receiving your best possible personal injury settlement:

1)     If that insurance company calls, do not offer any recorded statements right after an auto accident. *In many cases the injured party may suffer soft tissue injuries that will not show signs until days after an accident.

2)     Seek medical attention. After an auto accident it is best to go immediately to the hospital or other treatment facility to check for severe injuries. Many times the insurance companies will try to get you to settle your claim prior to treatment. Only after treatment will you know the severity of the case.

3)     Seek a Tampa Personal Injury attorney! Choose an attorney that has trial experience and has many years’ experience working with insurance adjusters and injury claims.

4)     An attorney will take the time to evaluate your situation and take the proper steps to assist you in recovering monetarily from your injuries and will work with you in hopes of receiving the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.

Insurance companies will try to get an accident victim to settle quick and cheap! Take the time and seek proper medical and legal representation so you are not cheated from an unfair insurance company’s settlement offer. In an auto accident your time, financial situation, health and ability to move forward are all taken into consideration with Blick Law Firm. Call us today to receive your free case evaluation from an experienced car crash attorney.

Blick Law Firm has over 25 year’s legal experience in Florida, New York and New Jersey.  Seek direction from a Tampa Christian law firm today! Former prosecutor, former Marine. Call 813-931-0840.

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¿Usted ha sido falsamente acusado de un crimen?

¿Usted ha sido falsamente acusado de un crimen?

A pesar de nuestro sistema de justicia dice que uno es inocente hasta que se pruebe su culpabilidad, es todo lo contrario. Ser acusado de un crimen que no cometió puede ser todo un episodio excesivamente emocional. Solicitar la asistencia de un abogado defensor calificado y experimentado, como Michael Blickensderfer, puede calmar la ansiedad que viene con ser acusado. Tiene más de 25 años de experiencia en defensa criminal, es licenciado en tres estados, y ha servido de parte de la acusación, dándole experiencia en ambos lados.

Siendo que usted se está preparando para reunirse con Michael y su equipo legal, le quisiéramos sugerir los siguientes consejos:
1. Tome notas. Apuntando todos los detalles que usted pueda recordar le ayudara a usted y a Michael en la preparación de su defensa. Graba notas sobre el incidente y el momento del arresto. Cada detalle puede tener importancia, por eso es imperativo acordarse y escribir todos los detalles que se pueda acordar.

2. Haga preguntas: Este seguro de comprender las acusaciones que enfrenta.

3. Testigos: Usted posee el derecho legal de tener testigos en su defensa. Utilice tarjetas de notas por cada testigo; grabe su nombre, información de contacto y el valor que puede contribuir a su caso. No se olvide de también incluir nombres de testimonio contra usted y la razón porque. Asegurase de informar al abogado de todos los detalles, positivo y negativo.

4. Conozca sus derechos: Usted NO tiene que hablar con la policía. Nunca de explicación sin representación. Los únicos detalles que le tiene que darle a la policía es su nombre, dirección y cumpleaños. Después de ahí, llame a Michael.

Si usted ha sido acusado falsamente, es crítico que usted contrate a un abogado calificado de inmediato. El licenciado Michael Blickensderfer puede responder preguntas como:
“¿Qué tan grave son los cargos?”
“¿Qué se supone que debo hacer?”
“¿Cómo puedo demostrar que soy inocente?”
“¿Cuáles son mis derechos y opciones legales?”

Él será capaz de evaluar su caso para determinar la mejor manera de proteger y maximizar sus intereses legales. La firma de ley Blick fue creada para “ayudar a los necesitados.” Eso incluye esos que son “falsamente acusado”. Llame hoy para una consulta gratuita.

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Florida Firework displays may lead to personal injury lawsuits

Fireworks are not all fun and games. They can result in severe injuries and in turn, pursuing a personal injury claim.

Independence Day is celebrated in recognition of the Declaration of Independence being approved by the Continental Congress in 1776, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom and liberty. Today, this most American of holidays, is celebrated by parades, fireworks and barbecues across the country.

Fireworks have become an iconic symbol in the commemoration of our independence on the 4th of July and they play a major role in American’s celebration of this day. Seeing fireworks shoot off in the sky brings fond moments, as bright lights flash in a glittery display for all to see. But if not used with safety and caution, fireworks can cause harmful situations, resulting in serious damages.

In Florida, it is illegal to buy, sell, or explode consumer fireworks.  You can do so, however, if you have a city permit.  Be aware that if you are shooting off fireworks without a warrant, you are breaking the law, which may result in unnecessary fines and a possible police investigation. If law enforcement decides to crack down and you’re caught buying or shooting off illegal fireworks, it is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Fireworks may be banned in certain locations to prevent property damages. For example, if there has been a recent drought, fireworks may be banned in nearby fields to prevent the cause or spread of wildfires.

Fireworks not only have damaging effects on property, but also heighten the risk for injury; this is especially true under the influence of alcohol. Firework personal injury claims are especially high in the month of July. Florida fireworks are not only illegal but may result in severe hand, body, arm and/or leg injuries, or even worse, it can result in death.

As a personal injury law firm, it is important to understand the risks associated with the use of fireworks, and to be aware that they are explosives and should be handled with extreme caution.

Take safety measures this holiday season and be mindful of your surroundings. If you have been injured due to a recent firework accident, please contact a Tampa personal injury attorney today to represent you and assist you with your damages.

For a FREE consultation, contact Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840.

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Filing a hardship letter to lenders

Part of the loan modification process is filing ones hardship. When applying for a loan modification the lender will require the filing of a hardship letter as a written explanation as to why and what was the cause for the homeowner to fall behind on making mortgage payments and assisting to prevent a foreclosure from proceeding.

A hardship letter provides an explanation to the lender detailing the current issues that are affecting the homeowner’s ability to meet their financial responsibilities. It needs to properly cover all of the issues in a manner which is clear, concise and to the point.

This can be accomplished with the help of an experienced real estate attorney who will review the hardship letter, along with the any other documents required for consideration, and can make any necessary suggestions to the documentation, regarding content, so it is efficient for the lender to approve.

Here is the basic information that must be provided in a hardship letter to the lender:

  1. Name, address, phone number and account number.
  2. State the financial assistance/ plan you are seeking.
  3. Describe your financial hardship. What were the causes that lead to falling behind in one’s mortgage payments? This is an outlined biography of your current “life” issues.
  4. Include life circumstances which may have altered and added to your hardship such as: illness, loss of job, reduced income, failed business, job relocation, death, death of spouse, divorce, military separation, military duty, reduced income, medical bills, property damage and alike.

*Remember that the hardship letter is only the beginning of the loan modification process. It is essential in determining assistance for you if you are trying to avoid the foreclosure of your home.

If you are looking to STOP a foreclosure and stay in your home, contact Blick law firm and speak with an experienced foreclosure defense attorney as soon as possible. Your hardship letter will be reviewed, and any necessary changes, additions and/or suggestions can be provided to aid you through the daunting loan modification process.

Call today to receive your free case evaluation at 813-931-0840. Think quick, call Blick!

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What is foreclosure defense?

Stop your home from going into foreclosure! There is a way out with Blick Law Firm’s expert legal assistance. Here at our firm, we will inform you of the options you have when dealing with a foreclosure.

Some valid defenses for your case may be:

1. Ownership.  Mortgages are sold every day.  The bank suing must prove that the original mortgage was properly sold, transferred or assigned and that it is the rightful owner of the original note.

2.  Written Notice.  Proper written notice of a default and a 30-day opportunity to cure before filing a foreclosure lawsuit must be received by the homeowner.

3.  The amount owed.  Banks routinely miscalculate the amounts owed on a note and mortgage.

You do not have to lose your home and face the negative effects of a bad credit report because of your circumstance. Contact our office and talk with our foreclosure defense attorneytoday.

As an expert in foreclosure defense we will strive to prevent foreclosure with loan modification or short sale or other real estate services. When dealing with a foreclosure, you are only allotted a certain amount of days to answer the lawsuit. If you do not respond, you not be able to get a hearing to be properly represented. With those deadlines in mind, it is important that you contact a foreclosure lawyer as soon as possible. If you want to have any chance in saving your home, contact Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840.

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